The War On Privacy : Apple v. FBI

Many of you may be wondering about my divergence from IP to privacy law. However, keeping upto the name of the blog, I could not have kept mum when one of the largest tech – giants has been embroiled in a major legal controversy touching upon user privacy.

The legal controversy in question is none other than the widely reported Apple v. FBI. This case arose in the aftermath of the San Bernardino’s terrorist attacks. The issue revolved around whether the FBI could compel Apple Inc. to write a new software to unlock Syed Rizwan Farook’s (the shooter) iPhone. ( For more on the case, read here, here and here)

A hearing was scheduled for today before the United States District Court for the Central District of California. However, yesterday, the FBI filed for a Motion to Vacate the Hearing. This was on the ground that through an outside party, they had found a way to access Farook’s iPhone. The method if found successful would eliminate the need for Apple’s assistance. The FBI has proposed filing for a status report to the Court by April 5th, 2016.

I’ve been speculating about this, ” outside – party” and it’s legal mandate to propose an alternative method for unlocking the phone. Any useful insights will be much appreciated.

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